A former Yeovil pub could be demolished to make way for a major expansion of the neighbouring Premier Inn under plans submitted to Somerset Council.
Premier Inn Hotels Ltd has applied for permission to demolish the former Airfield Tavern pub and build a two-storey extension to the hotel near the Leonardo airfield, off Alvington Lane at the western edge of Yeovil.
The proposal would add 58 guest bedrooms to the existing 20-bed hotel. If approved, the Premier Inn would have 78 bedrooms in total, increasing its capacity by nearly 300 per cent.
What the proposed Yeovil hotel extension includes
The plans include a new restaurant area on the ground floor of the extension. The hotel’s existing reception would also be enlarged by converting a ground-floor bedroom.
The development would reduce the size of the current car park slightly. The submitted plans say 74 parking spaces would still be available for staff and guests after the building work.
The Airfield Tavern has been closed to the public for several years, although hotel guests have continued to be able to access the building for meals and drinks.
Axiom Architects, which is representing the applicant, said the extension was intended to provide the capacity needed for the business to continue operating successfully.
“The proposed extension will provide the additional capacity required to allow this successful business to continue to thrive,”
The architects also said the extension’s design would match the existing hotel, with its scale and materials intended to reinforce the character and overall theme of the site.
“The massing and materials of the extension are designed to match the existing hotel, reinforcing the established character and overall theme of the site.”
It is not yet clear whether the proposed expansion would create additional full-time or part-time jobs.
Phosphate mitigation linked to River Yeo catchment
Because the site is within the River Yeo catchment area, the developer must take steps to ensure the project does not increase phosphate levels affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors.
The proposed mitigation would involve buying phosphate credits from third parties. The process involves fallowing agricultural land within the same catchment area.
According to the plans, that arrangement would remain in place until Wessex Water upgrades Yeovil’s wastewater treatment plant. The upgrade is expected by April 2030.
When could a decision be made?
Somerset Council is expected to decide the planning application within six months of its submission.
Because of the size and significance of the proposal, the application is likely to be considered at a public meeting by the Planning Committee South. The committee deals with major applications in the former South Somerset area.
That would mean the decision is likely to be made by the committee rather than under delegated authority by planning officers. No final decision has yet been reported.
